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Fisher & Paykel Appliances has announced plans to create new
jobs, with new owner Haier now in "expansion mode".

The Auckland-based whiteware manufacturer said today that it
will be recruiting for 100 research and development positions in
Auckland and Dunedin over the next two years.

F&P Chief Executive Stuart Broadhurst added that job
creation in other areas of the company is also on the cards.

"This expansion of specialist skills will entrench our company's
expertise, enabling us to continue to deliver the world-leading
innovation we are known for, with continued emphasis on quality,"
he said.

Haier, the Chinese home good maker, effectively rescued F&P
Appliances in 2009 when it acquired a 20% stake as part of a
capital raising that let the company refinance its debt.

In November last year, Haier won the right to acquire the
company when more than 90% of the company's shareholders accepted
an offer of $1.28-a-share.

F&P said today that the new owners are moving the company's
business development plan along faster than previously planned.

"Fisher & Paykel is focused on New Zealand-led
expansion. While we remain a standalone company with a
strong, localised management team, our new owners are providing the
opportunity for us to deliver our business development plan far
faster than we were previously planning.

"I have recently returned from China where I finalised amongst
other things, an agreement for our New Zealand-based production
machinery business to undertake a number of significant projects to
automate production facilities over the next five years," said
Broadhurst.

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F&P said that it is now focusing on technology innovation,
new product development and the company's component and technology
business.

"In the next few months we will be releasing the largest number
of new Fisher & Paykel products at any one time in our
company's 79 year history. These products include new
refrigeration, cooktops, a new oven platform and new laundry
products," said Broadhurst.

Longer term plans are for F&P to build its capabilities here
and internationally to contribute to the world's largest appliance
manufacturer, and continue to deliver positive benefits to New
Zealand as a result.